The City of Moncton is announcing the induction of three athletes, two builders, and a team into the Sports Wall of Fame for the class of 2024.
They are:
Brooklyn Douthwright – Athlete: Swimming
Riverview native Brooklyn Douthwright’s swimming career took off in 2012 with the Codiac Vikings, where she trained until 2020 before moving to the Club de Natation Bleu et Or, Douhwirght is now studying at the University of Tennessee and competing as a member of the Lady Vols in NCAA Division I.
Douthwright won three bronze relay medals at The 2019 World Junior Championships in Budapest, followed by impressive global success in 2023.
She finished fifth at the World Aquatics Championships in Japan and brought home five medals from the Pan-American Games in Chile, which included two golds, one silver, and two bronzes.
Douthwright also made history as the first swimmer from New Brunswick to qualify for the Olympics in 24 years. This milestone was achieved during the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Swimming Trials, where she earned her place in the 4×100 freestyle relay for the Paris Games.
Her career is adorned with numerous provincial, national, and international honours, highlighting her commitment and prowess in swimming. Beyond her athletic achievements, she is also recognized as an inspiring teammate, leader, and role model to those around her.
Danielle Dorris – Athlete: Paralympics
A Para swimmer from Moncton, Dorris represented Canada for the third time at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. Born with bilateral radial dysplasia, Dorris shattered expectations to emerge as one of Canada’s leading Para swimmers. She boasts an impressive record as a three-time Canadian Paralympian, a three-time Paralympic medallist, and a six-time World Para Swimming Championship medallist.
Dorris began her journey in competitive swimming at just 10 years old and quickly made a name for herself as the youngest member of the Canadian Paralympic team during the Rio 2016 Games at the age of 13.
Her career reached new heights at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, where she clinched gold in the 50m butterfly S7, setting a new world record. At The 2022 World Para Swimming Championships in Madeira, she earned gold in the 50m butterfly and silver in the 100m backstroke.
Her remarkable performance continued in 2023 at the Para World Swimming Championships in Manchester, where she secured two gold medals in the 50m butterfly and 100m backstroke, along with a silver in the 50m freestyle S7 and a bronze in the 200m individual medley SM7.
During the 2024 Paris Paralympics, Danielle successfully defended her title, winning her second Paralympic gold medal in the 50m butterfly S7. This achievement made her the first Canadian female Paralympic swimmer to defend a title in a butterfly event.
Outside of swimming, she is a passionate mentor and advocate for children with disabilities, inspiring aspiring Paralympians, swimmers, and fellow athletes.
James (Jim) Gair Maxwell – Athlete: Golf
James (Jim) Gair Maxwell is a renowned professional golfer from Scotland, who took his first swing at age 7. By 16, he had mastered crafting golf clubs and was soon invited to Canada to further hone his skills.
Throughout an impressive 60-year journey, he established himself as a golfing legend in the Maritimes, breaking countless course records and securing multiple championships.
In 1961, he marked his professional debut with a victory at the Nova Scotia Open, paving the way for tournament wins across the area. His outstanding contributions to the sport were recognized in 1995 when he was nominated as Sports Moncton Male Athlete of the Year, and he triumphed in the New Brunswick Senior Men’s Golf Championship in 2004.
Maxwell also took on the role of director of golf at the Petitcodiac Club, where he has played a vital role in mentoring young provincial golfers, instilling in them a love for the game and the importance of proper etiquette on the course.
To Maxwell, golf is more than just a sport; it serves as a reflection of life itself, celebrating victories, embracing losses, and showcasing one’s character and integrity.
Daryl Beers – Builder: Badminton
As the founder of the Moncton Badminton Club, Daryl Beers has been a driving force behind the sport’s development in the area. His passion for badminton and his eagerness to share it with others led him to create a space where players of every level can come together to learn, compete, and enjoy the game.
Beers has been instrumental in organizing badminton events at regional, provincial, and national levels, with a focus on creating inclusive and accessible opportunities for everyone interested in participating.
With 20 years of experience as a volunteer coach, he has worked tirelessly to make badminton more accessible to local youth and has supported clubs across Atlantic Canada.
His role as an executive member of Badminton New Brunswick for over two decades has been crucial, particularly in launching the Atlantic Series, which provides a platform for young players to compete against their peers from other provinces.
Kevin Gaudet – Builder: Hockey
Kevin Gaudet, a former professional hockey player, has left a lasting mark during his playing days and coaching career.
Gaudet’s love for hockey ignited early in his life, propelling him toward a career that spanned the globe. During his time with the Université de Moncton Aigles Bleus, Gaudet achieved remarkable success, securing four Atlantic University titles and two national championships, earning the title of top scorer in his final two seasons.
He represented Team Canada over ten times and showcased his skills in various leagues throughout North America and Europe. Additionally, he spent six years in the New Brunswick Senior A hockey league, where he was a three-time scoring champion.
After hanging up his skates, Gaudet shifted gears to coaching, he has been sharing his expertise in Germany and Austria since 1993. His teams have reached the finals nine times, clinching six championships under his guidance.
Gaudet has coached in leagues such as the Deutsche Eishockey Liga (DEL) and the Austrian Hockey League (EBEL), establishing himself as a respected and knowledgeable figure in the coaching realm.
Throughout his career, Gaudet has earned respect for his exceptional hockey abilities and steadfast dedication to the game, his athletes, and the communities he has engaged with. His journey from player to coach showcases a deep commitment to hockey and its fundamental principles.
Moncton Fairlanes T&M (1980-1990) – Team: Bowling
The Moncton Fairlanes Tough & Mighty (T&M) bowling team emerged as a powerhouse in men’s candlepin bowling throughout the 1980s in the Maritimes.
Comprising talented players like Barry Wood, Ken Hopper, Andy Phillips, Bob Douthwright, Gary Gallant, Lorne Chesser, and Brian Coleman, they showcased their skills at every level, from provincial competitions to world championships, securing numerous titles.
With an impressive record, the team clinched the New Brunswick Men’s Bowling Championship seven times and triumphed in six Maritime championships. Their dominance in the sport was evident as they captured every title available within a decade, consistently being the favourites for the provincial crown. After ten years, the Moncton Fairlanes T&M team hung up their bowling shoes, leaving a legacy celebrated for their sportsmanship, camaraderie, and passion for the game.
“This year’s inductees have each made unique contributions to the world of sports,” says Randy Roth, chair of the Moncton Sports Wall of Fame Board.
“We are honoured to recognize such a remarkable group of talented athletes, dedicated builders, and outstanding team members. On behalf of the Board, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the 2024 inductees.”
The Capitol Theatre will host the induction ceremony on October 26, starting at 7 p.m.
The legacy of the inductees will be honoured at The Moncton Sports Wall of Fame, situated in the Avenir Centre.
